Business Development Leader

About us

Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We do this by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing and food products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

Supply Chain Operations is a global business unit within IKEA Supply and with its more than 700 co-workers it connects our customers with IKEA products in a simple, affordable, and sustainable way. We lead, plan and execute the supply of IKEA products between suppliers and retailers. We deliver excellent transport and logistics solutions today, tomorrow and over time by optimising replenishment solutions, managing the goods flow, sourcing and developing transport and logistics capacities and leading and securing supply quality.

Category Contract Logistics/ Mid-Receiver Units within Category Area Logistics Services is responsible to source, operate and develop outsourced warehouses and logistics services, following the strategic, tactical, and operational scope. We work within one of the most dynamic areas of logistics, one in which innovation and technology advances force us to continuously get better.

To support and develop further our business, we are currently looking for a Business Development Leader to join our team in Pratteln, Switzerland.

About the job

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated person to help us to be leaders in delivering excellent performance, proudly serving happy IKEA customers. Our team’s objective is to design and implement warehousing and logistics solutions and strategies with focus on total supply chain cost whilst fulfilling defined service levels related to logistics capacity, operational excellence, and sustainability.

As Business Development Leader you strongly contribute to business and people development, and to securing excellent performance in all respects, today and in the future – in accordance with the Supply Strategy and the Category’s Business Plan.

You act in following dimensions:

• Lead, drive and implement strategic transformative business development initiatives with end-to-end focus, serving as the primary point of contact for various stakeholders.
• Participate in assigned projects and initiatives as a project leader or team member to ensure contract logistics related contributions necessary for the successful completion of the projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to the Category’s Purchasing Development Process, the creation of the Business Plan, Service Provider Classification, as well as the development of business concepts and ways of working.
• Develop and/or initiate innovations within the category from both process and product perspectives, explore new technologies and solutions. Develop the operational framework required for efficient deployment, take the lead in implementation and facilitate the handover to the line organisation (BDM teams).
• Additionally, handle extra assignments as required by business needs.

This role is full time and is based in our office in Pratteln, Switzerland. You will report to the Category Manager, Category Contract Logistics/ Mid-Receiver Units.

About you

To be successful in this role:

• You possess substantial expertise in the logistics sector, including in-depth understanding of market conditions, macroeconomic trends, and industry-specific factors. You also have knowledge of supply chain management, as well as an understanding of key production costs and cost drivers.
• You have a strong network within the logistics industry (preferably also within IKEA).
• Your networking skills are highly refined, allowing you to cultivate enduring and successful relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, as well as your teammates.
• You have a profound knowledge and comprehension of the major innovation trends in logistics.
• You have a solid understanding of the IKEA supply chain and its associated processes.
• You possess excellent negotiation and project management abilities, enabling you to construct and assess fact-based business cases, involving multiple stakeholders if needed.
• You demonstrate the determination, ambition, and initiative to identify and implement new business opportunities.
• You have a deep understanding of legal and contractual frameworks, as well as expertise in cost calculation models.
• You have the ability to self-motivate and effectively organise, structure, and prioritise multiple tasks.
• You are capable of working independently and confidently navigating through unfamiliar circumstances.
• You possess strong communication skills and can effectively engage with audiences in virtual and physical settings, enjoying interaction with people while also demonstrating a strong team player mentality.
• You act as an IKEA ambassador, carrying out business responsibilities with a focus on values and fact-based approach.
• You have a university degree in logistics, economics, business administration, or relevant working experience from similar position (min. 7 years).

About why to join us

We believe in you!

You get the privilege and the responsibility to lead your assignment in a diverse team and partner with world class service providers, while finding innovative ways to drive the business for IKEA.

We grow with you!

In regular conversations with your manager, you can explore your development and career opportunities, and we will support you on the way. We embrace making mistakes and learning from them. For us at IKEA, this is the best way forward.

We develop together with our partners!

We are good listeners and can build relationships. We are committed to helping our partners grow and develop their full potential together with us.

About the recruitment process

If the above appeals to you, you might be the one we are looking for! The selection process will take place continuously, so please send in your application as soon as possible, however not later than 24 May 2024. We are looking forward to receiving your application. For questions about the position, please reach out to Sara Udvari, email: sara.udvari@inter.ikea.com. For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Désirée Dhinnin, email: desiree.dhinnin@inter.ikea.com.